The ultimate guide on dishes to match Pinot Noir

The Perfect Red for Entertaining

Whether you're preparing a Sunday roast, setting out a cheeseboard after supper or planning a festive Christmas feast, Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines you can serve. Elegant rather than overpowering, it complements food beautifully while also remaining delicious to sip on its own before the meal.

Its bright berry fruit, silky texture and refreshing acidity allow it to move effortlessly from charcuterie boards and seasonal vegetables to roast poultry, game and British cheeses.

Why Pinot Noir Works So Well with Food

Pinot Noir is typically lighter in body than Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, with soft tannins, vibrant red-fruit flavours and lifted aromatics. The result is a red wine that enhances food rather than competes with it.    Style varies from region to region. Cooler-climate examples often show freshness, floral notes and redcurrant-like fruit, while wines from warmer areas can be richer, with darker fruit and gentle spice.

For best results, serve Pinot Noir slightly below room temperature. In some instances, a quick 15-minutes in the fridge can sharpen the wine's freshness and make it even more food-friendly.

Here are some ideas to serve at a rustic, casual lunch:

1. Charcuterie is a great match and allows Pinot Noir's red-fruit character to shine. Try it with bright fruit character of Le Fief du Temple from the Loire.
2. UK palates are partial to pâté, chicken liver parfait and rustic terrines – all dishes that highlight Pinot Noir’s savoury, earthy side.  Le Champ des Etoiles from southern France has a little more weight than some Pinot Noirs and will make a good match with its earthy, rich fruit character.
3. The gentle smokiness of duck breast creates a classic partnership with Pinot Noir's bright fruit and acidity. This calls for a wine with the poise and bright fruit character of a Burgundy. Try Maison Roche Bellene Cuvée Reserve Bourgogne Rouge.
4. Earthy mushrooms often mirror the woodland notes found in fine Pinot Noir – fry with garlic and thyme and serve with or without toast.
5. Roasted beetroot and goat’s cheese – the sweet earthiness from the beetroot and creamy tanginess from the cheese create a beautifully balanced match. Split Rock Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Nelson region has good freshness as well as fruit to pair with the food.

British game season

Game is where Pinot Noir really earns its reputation as a food match and where its flavours will shine.

Pheasant has a delicate flavour and truly flatters Pinot Noir's elegance. Hang, pluck and roast, then open a special bottle of Pinot Noir. We’ve been patriotic in our choice – Balfour Luke's Pinot Noir – a delicious wine.

Partridge is another game bird that allows Pinot Noir to shine. Go one step further and serve with earthy roast vegetables – they are great with the meat and with the wine. With this dish it’s time to treat yourself to Burgundy – Maison Roche Bellene Cuvée Reserve. It's balance of fruit and freshness as well as complexity with perfectly match with the food.    Guinea fowl is another excellent match with Pinot Noir. Serve it wild mushrooms and you’ll be one step nearer to heaven as both are ideal for drawing out Pinot Noir's savoury complexity.

Seafood surprise

Few red wines are as comfortable with fish as Pinot Noir. It’s the wine’s freshness that works very much like a crisp white, yet with extra richness and character.

Salmon is a good choice – Pinot Noir's acidity perfectly cuts through the richness of the fish. Open a bottle of Hunter's Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Marlborough region – it has an ideal balance of lively ripe fruit, elegance and acidity.

Tuna steak is a very meaty cut of fish yet its flavours are delicate enough for Pinot Noir. Try a wine with a little more weight and ripeness of fruit – Casa Silva Cool Coast Pinot Noir from Chile.

Even tomato-based seafood casseroles will benefit from Pinot Noir's vibrant fruit profile. Just avoid delicate white fish such as grilled or sautéed sole or plaice, which can be overwhelmed by red wine, even Pinot Noir.

The British cheeseboard

Today in the UK we make an amazing range of delicious artisan cheeses and a number of these will be best friends with Pinot Noir. There are also many European cheeses that make a delicious, moreish match to Pinot Noir. Only rule – it’s best to avoid strong blue cheeses like Roquefort or a very tangy Cheddar. Otherwise, there’s free rein on creamy, semi-soft or semi-hard cheeses.

Try a cheeseboard of award-winning Baron Bigod or Tunworth (wine suggestion: Maison Roche Bellene Cuvée Reserve, a Burgundy with bright fruit and good acidity) a soft, tangy Somerset goat’s cheese (wine suggestion: Le Fief du Temple) or cheeses like Comté or Gruyère with their nutty sweetness (wine suggestion: Von Reben Pfalz Pinot Noir from Germany’s Pfalz region, a wine with sweet ripe fruit).

A final word ...

If after all of our pairing tips you're still not sure what Pinot Noir is right for you, then fear not! We've got our best Pinot Noirs for all budgets guide that is sure to have something that would work for your next dinner party.

For those that might want to learn more about the wonderfully versatile grape that packs a punch, we also have our handy Pinot Noir grape guide to add to your wine knowledge and answer any questions you may have.

Or, if you'd rather discover for yourself then why not explore our full range of Pinot Noir wines and find your perfect match.

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